Thinking about an upgrade

[David Houck]

Matt, you keep asking about Essence basses; I didn't want to respond since there are others who have more experience with the different models.  But maybe this will be of some help.
 
I have an Essence 4 and Essence 6, both fretted; and I have a fretless 5 string bass with Europa controls.  The Essence 4 has been my main bass for almost 8 years and my relationship with it continues to grow.
 
To me, the 4 and the 6 sound very different.  The 6 is of course much heavier and the neck is much more massive and my guess would be that the extra mass probably contributes to some degree to the difference.  The 4 has a Maple neck, Maple body and Maple top.  The 6 has a Maple neck, Mahogany body and Walnut top.  And I think the different body and top woods also contribute to the different sound.  The sound of the 6 is much warmer and has more low end support.  The 4 has much more attack.
 
I love the sound of my Essence 4 when the filter is all the way up and the pan is in the middle; it can really sing up the neck in a variety of styles, and down low on the neck sounds great doing slap, rock, blues and more.  However, when I roll off the filter, I am not as pleased with the tone; it seems to have more growl than I am often looking for.  My experience with my SF-2 and my fretless with Europa controls and some correspondence with others in the group suggests to me that the solution may be the addition of a Q switch.  I believe I am correct in saying that the filter in Essence controls has a Q that is always on.  Adding a filter switch would give me the option of turning off the boost that the Q provides at the filter frequency, suggesting to me that the sound should be smoother.
 
You can order a filter switch and install it yourself (or have someone install it for you).  I haven't yet because there are other things I would like to do for my bass for which I will have to send it to Mica, if I can ever part with it.  (I've been watching for another 4 string so the parting will be easier.)
 
Now, I have not really focused on this as being a problem with my 6; and as mentioned above and due in large part to the reasons mentioned above, the 6 has a significantly different tone to begin with.  But, I do not play my 6 anywhere near as much as my 4 and thus I am just not as intimately familiar with its tone.
 
It could be that the tone I'm getting when I roll off the filter is influenced by the fact my bass is all Maple.  And it could very well be that its just in my head, a matter of taste; after all there are a number of Essence owners in this group and I haven't read anything like this before.  (And it could be my ears which over many many years have suffered significant damage due to feedback caused by inadequate soundpersons and overly loud guitar players.)
 
My fretless 5 with the Europa controls I play even less than my Essence 6.  But the additional options of the treble and bass boost/cut switches are very nice.
 
So; the sound of an Essence is very good to begin with, but my guess is that it can be much enhanced with the inexpensive addition of a Q switch.  Europa or Signature controls can add much more, but are also going to cost much more.
 
If anyone finds any of the above to be off base, please correct me; or if anyone has a differing opinion, suggestions or additions, I welcome those too.

[bassplaynmatt]

Thanks for the info from everybody
 
Mica, I will keep an eye on Guitarworks so see if you can get a 6 string out that way.
 
DaveH, Man thanks for all that info. I have been trying to decide if I would dig the Essence considering I would be able to purchase one sooner because of the price difference. My main concern however, is if it will be much of an improvement tone wise from my Epic. I know the Neck-trough will help but I am also curious about the electronics so your info helps a lot. Have you played an Epic? Do you have any opinion on the comparison? Do you want to sell your Essance 6? : )
 
Smokin Dave, Hey its nice to hear you get good work. I am also trying to keep my bands schedules straight not to mention the material. I am playing with a fusion band called Kwyjibo that does Weather Report and Mahavisnu Orchestra tunes, a latin pop band, a three piece original rock group, a punk band I play drums with (mostly just for fun), and any and all sub work I can get. If you ever need a sub let me know. : )
 
Later, Matt

[smokin_dave]

Ok,Guitarworks.I have a friend who works there.He didn't tell me they picked up Alembic.Good for them,great for us.I'm going to have to get on down there when the new arrivals come in.Wow,Weather Report and Mahavisnu Orchestra.A couple of my favorites.I picked up a copy of Jaco's instructional tape on DVD over the summer.I wish I had his hand strength.I've been listening to Shakti with John McLaughlin lately.Not much for bass players but unbelievable music.John has a great web site too.
 
http://www.johnmclaughlin.com/
 
Continued good luck on you're hunt for a new/used Alembic.I really dig my Rogue 5.More than I thought I would really.I took to the Rogue electronics right away.The best sounding bass I've ever played.I still like my Epic but for now,I can't keep my hands off of my Rogue.The only problem now is the fact that I want a series 2 with a Rogue body more than ever and I won't rest until that becomes a reality.Ahhhh such sweet addiction.